Masterpiece has boarded upcoming Prime Suspect prequel, Prime Suspect: Tennison, as co-producer alongside ITV Studios and NoHo Film & Television. The original series, which starred Helen Mirren, aired on Masterpiece on PBS in the early 90s with installments 4-7 co-produced by WGBH Boston for the Masterpiece Mystery anthology series.

Created by Lynda La Plante, who wrote the early installments of the original, the six-part drama portrays the early career of iconic, tenacious detective Jane Tennison — the role that established Mirren as a household name. Stefanie Martini now stars as the ambitious 22-year-old Jane, a probationary officer in 1970s London who’s starting out in an environment where chauvinism and rule-bending are the norm.

Tennison begins as Jane is thrown into a brutal murder inquiry, witnessing first-hand the devastating effect of violent crime, and experiencing tragic ramifications herself. Immersed in the music, fashion and politics that defined a generation, the series follows her as she establishes herself in a workplace dominated by men.

The original Prime Suspect began in 1991 and concluded with 2006’s The Final Act. La Plante won an Edgar for Best TV Feature or Miniseries with Prime Suspect in 1993. The series won a Peabody the same year and ultimately scored three Emmys for Outstanding Mini, as well as receiving several BAFTAs.

La Plante co-created the New York-set 2011-2012 NBC reimagining of Prime Suspect which starred Maria Bello as Detective Jane Timoney. She also wrote the 2002 heist thriller mini Widows, which is being adapted as a feature by Gillian Flynn and Steve McQueen who will direct.